- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Paaladai
- Movie release year
- 1967
- Lyrics added on
- 8 Jul 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Pattadai Thottil from the film Paaladai (1967) is a celebrated Tamil classic that delicately weaves maternal tenderness with intimate conjugal affection. Penning the lyrics, Kannadasan captures the deep anticipation of a mother lovingly preparing for her infant. She visualizes tying a luxurious silk cradle, feeding him with a traditional milk-white conch (paaladai/sangu), applying kohl to his eyes, and showering hundreds of affectionate kisses. The song transitions seamlessly into a sweet romantic moment as she imagines her husband walking in while she nurses the baby. The modesty, gentle bashfulness, and shared familial warmth form a complete picture of domestic happiness, brilliantly set to music by K. V. Mahadevan and sung with exquisite tenderness by P. Susheela.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Pattadai thottil / Chittendru alli”
Matching of the second consonant sound across consecutive lines, creating rhythmic balance (e.g., Pa-tta-dai / Chi-tta-ndru).
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Kannukku melae maiyittu paarthu / Kannathai killa vendum”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds within the same line or in consecutive lines (e.g., 'K' sound in Kannukku / Kannathai).
Sensory Imagery (Visual & Tactile)
“Paal vanna sangu kolla vendum”
Rich traditional Tamil imagery evoking texture and color, such as 'Pattadai' (silk cloth), 'Paal vanna sangu' (milk-white conch), and 'Mai' (kohl).
Metaphor / Cultural Symbolism
“Annaiyai thandhai anaikkindra kolam / Kannanum kaana vendum”
Addressing the infant as 'Kannan' (Lord Krishna) and 'Kannu' (literally 'eye', meaning the apple of one's eye).
Did you know?
Trivia
The movie title 'Paaladai' refers to a traditional metal or shell spout/conch used in South India to feed milk to infants. The song portrays 'Vatsalya Rasa' (maternal emotion) skillfully blended with 'Sringara Rasa' (romantic intimacy), a trademark thematic strength of lyricist Kannadasan.
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